Due to college expenses, students often look to Mesa College as a stepping stone, with the majority of students planning to obtain an Associate Degree or transfer to a California State University. But, with 23 different CSU campuses and a vast array of majors available, how can a student possibly decide on which one?

On September 24, a workshop especially dedicated to both CSU transfer students and students aiming for an Associate Degree made its way to Mesa’s campus. The program is called ADT, Associate Degree for Transfer, and was presented by Leroy Johnson and Juliette Parker in a joint presentation to provide full coverage. Benefits of this program are gaining an Associate Degree and transferring to a CSU [with guaranteed admission] at the same time. “A few of the things we wanted to do are make sure you have an education plan, know what your classes are […that you are going to take], understand the different options that you can use in CSUs, understand when the deadlines are, and if this is the right program or right decision for you” Johnson explained.

The ADT workshop was to alert future CSU transfer students about the transfer process, the requirements, and the possibility of priority admission. In order for a student to receive priority admission to a CSU it is necessary they fulfill these requirements: Complete 60 transferable units at a CCC (with the remaining 60 units done at the CSU for a Bachelors Degree), must complete general education classes and major prep coursework, and also must maintain a grade point average of 2.4 or higher. Although there are 23 CSU campuses, the colleges often accept local students only, meaning the community college must be in the same county of the CSU. For example, a student planning to transfer to CSU San Marcos must have taken a class at a North County community college by spring in order to be considered a local student. Be wary that summer classes do not count, classes have to be taken by spring semester.

To be eligible for ADT, a student must also plan to major in one the following: Anthropology, Art History, Business, Communication Studies, Geography, History, Journalism, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Theater Arts.

For further information and help visit Assist.org and CSUGE. Additionally, a short and concise version of the powerpoint presentation is available on Mesa College’s official website under the Transfer Guarantees section.  These websites contain vital information, which a student can take advantage of to prepare for their major prep coursework and general ed.  Counselors and transfer centers are also available for information on the associate degree for transfer.